Last year I dedicated my November newsletter to the following daily prayer, or thanksgiving. It is inspired by the traditional invocation used by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy or Six Nations). That Thanksgiving Address has been published widely and is meant to be shared. (See below for links to a full version and a video.)

Not surprisingly, the daily thanksgiving was a “fan favorite.” Now it’s more readily accessible as a website post. In this time of uncertainty, fear, and change, it is an excellent reminder that we have many, MANY reasons to have grateful hearts. “For that which is forgotten we remember.”

Greetings and Thanks to each other as people

To the EARTH
mother of all
GREETINGS & THANKS

to all the WATERS
waterfalls & rain
rivers & oceans
GREETINGS & THANKS

to all the FISH LIFE
GREETINGS & THANKS

the grains and greens
beans & berries
as one we send thanks
to FOOD PLANTS

MEDICINE HERBS
of the world
and their keepers
GREETINGS & THANKS

To all ANIMALS
& their teachings
GREETINGS & THANKS

The TREES
for shelter & shade
fruit & beauty
GREETINGS & THANKS

To all BIRDS
large and small
joyful GREETINGS & THANKS

and from the four directions
THE FOUR WINDS
thank you for purifying the air
we breathe and
giving us strength
GREETINGS & THANKS

THE THUNDERERS
our grandfathers
in the sky
We hear your voices
GREETINGS & THANKS

and now THE SUN
for the light of a new day
and all the fires of life
GREETINGS & THANKS

to our oldest grandmother
THE MOON
leader of women
all over the world

AND THE STARS
for their mystery
beauty & guidance
GREETINGS & THANKS

To our TEACHERS
from all times
reminding us of how
to live in harmony
GREETINGS & THANKS

AND FOR ALL
the gifts of creation
for all the love
around us
GREETINGS & THANKS

and for that
which is forgotten
we REMEMBER

WE END OUR WORDS

NOW OUR MINDS ARE ONE

For a full version of the Address, click here or view the video below.